How To Extend Your Canvas’ Lifespan

Protecting your canvas will extend its life as well as provide you and your crew protection from the sun and elements for many years. I actually enjoy sitting in the cockpit during rain storms, fully protected by the full enclosure. I find the sound soothing and enjoy the fact that we’re not stuck inside the stuffy cabin with windows and hatches closed. This is why I maintain a proper care regiment to protect and maintain all pieces of my canvas set up.

Regardless of the brand or quality, whether you have a simple bimini, dodger and/or a full enclosure, taking a little time and care will reward you with years of enjoyment well beyond the normal expected or publicized lifespan.

Here is my regiment for proper care and maintenance.

Storage

Keep in mind, that proper care of all the canvas components starts in the fall, before storage.

Once removed from the boat, I wash all the canvas with Dawn dishsoap and a soft bristle brush making sure to rinse very well—I use Dawn because it does not leave any residue. I also clean and apply a good vinyl and plastic protectant, like Novus, on all the plastic windows using many clean microfiber towels. Once dry, I use a 4-in. diameter heavy duty tube, which I got for free at my local fabric store, and I actually roll all the components.

Starting with the bimini, I fold it once on its width. Then I use the tube to roll it up. Once rolled and tied to prevent it from unrolling, I slide the tube out so I can use it for the dodger. Of course, if you get more than one tube, leave it in, which is what I do as it prevents each rolled-up canvas component from collapsing if stored stacked with other items like the dodger, sails, etc.

If you only have one tube, do the dodger last so you will be able to leave the tube inside while stored. Since the dodger is normally the component with the most plastic windows, you certainly want to avoid the roll from collapsing, bending and crushing the windows.

Lay out the dodger with its side panels folded inward. Then, using the tube, roll up the dodger. This way, the canvas as well as plastic windows are not bent or folded during storage. When storing away your sails and canvas together and if staked on top of each other, do keep the dodger on top.

Maintenance

Every second year, I purchase a gallon of fabric waterproofing with UV protection qualities. You will find this in most camping and outdoor sporting goods stores. Clear waterproofing has the consistency of water.

During a nice spring day, I lay down the canvas top side up, on top of a large plastic tarp outside where I have good ventilation. Simply using a wide paint brush, I paint the canvas. Using a narrower paint brush for the window edges, I make sure not to get any material on the windows. However, if you do get some on a window, a few wipes with a clean wet towel will remove it. This process will not only make the canvas and seams waterproof, but will also protect both the fabric and threads from drying up and will have the added benefits of UV protectant provided by the waterproofing solution.

Outdoor canvas uses specialized thread designed for outdoor conditions. So if you intend on mending any of your canvas yourself, make sure to get the correct thread product and quality. When needed, I bring my canvas items to my local canvas maker for any mending.

Do not forget your sail cover! This will also protect your sail from getting wet when it rains. Using the same gallon, I have more than enough to do the same with our outdoor patio sun umbrellas as well as awning and cushion fabric.

Preventative

Last but not least, this brings us to preventive action. I inspect my canvas regularly. If and when I see any thread wear or if a zipper is about to break, I bring it to my canvas maker straight away. This prevents ongoing deterioration as well as saves time and money.

If a snap comes off or are damaged, I do keep spares onboard for a quick replacement. Snap replacement kits are readily available at most boat supply stores. I got my kit on Amazon, which includes a good quantity and variety of snaps plus the special application tool.

As I always say, prevention and maintenance cost much less that repairs or replacement. Anything we can do to minimize our cost and extend the life of our equipment, is well worth our time.